Why and how of Chhath Puja?

Intro

Chhath (Hindi: छठ, also called Dala Chhath) is an ancient Hindu Festival dedicated to the Sun God, known as Surya. It is a festival observed most elaborately in Bihar and Jharkhand on the sixth day of the lunar month after Diwali every year, hence another name for Chhath is Surya Shashti, usually a 4 day long celebration. In modern times it is also prevalent in areas where migrants from Bihar and Jharkhand have a presence. Thus it is celebrated in all regions and major urban centers in India.

2/7

2

Intro (contd.)

Chhath is a way to be grateful to the Sun for giving the bounties of life on earth and for the fulfillment of wishes of believers. It is a festival of reverence to the solar deity, the only festival in the world where devotees offer salutations to the setting sun. Sun worship in Hinduism is believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders.

3/7

3

The four days Of Chhath Puja, Day 1: Nahay khay

On the first day of Chhath Puja, the devotees take a dip, preferably in the river Ganga and carry home the holy water of Ganga to prepare the offerings. The house and surroundings are scrupulously cleaned. The ladies observing the Vrata (a.k.a. Vratins) allow themselves only one meal on this day.

4/7

4

Day 2: Kharna (the day before Chhath)

On Panchami (5th day), the day before Chhath, the Vratins observe a fast for the whole day, which ends in the evening a little after sunset. Just after the worship of Sun, the offerings of Rasiao-kheer (rice delicacy), puris (deep-fried puffs of wheat flour) and bananas, are distributed among family and friends. The next 36 hours, the Vratins go on a fast without water.

5/7

5

Day 3: Chhath

Sanjhiya Arghya (evening offerings): The day is spent preparing the prasad (offerings) at home. On the eve of this day, the entire household accompanies the Vratins to a riverbank, pond or a common large water body to make the offerings (Arghya) to the setting sun. It is during this phase of Chhath Puja that the devotees offer prayers to the just setting sun. The occasion is almost a carnival. Besides the Vratins, there are friends and family, and numerous participants and onlookers, all willing to help and receive the blessings of the worshipper.
The folk songs sung on the evening of Chhath reflect the culture, social structure, mythology and history of Bihar and Jharkhand. The three main linguistic regions of Bihar (the Maithili, the Magadhi, and the Bhojpuri), and all the various dialects associated with these, have different folk songs; but have an underlying unity in their dedication to Chhath.

6/7

6

Day 4: Paarun (the day after Chhath)

Bihaniya Arghya (next morning offerings): On the final day of Chhath Puja, the devotees, along with family and friends, go to the riverbank before sunrise, in order to make the offerings (Arghya) to the rising sun. The festival ends with the breaking of the fast by the Vratins and friends visiting the houses of the devotees to receive the prashad. The chhath has so much importance that even millionaire beg for prasad at the Chhath ghat. This symbolizes that all persons are beggar in front of the Almighty.

7/7

7

Why Salutations to the Setting Sun ?

Chhath is the only time when the setting sun as opposed to its rising is celebrated for its glory because according to the theory of reincarnation deeply rooted in Hinduism, the cycle of birth starts with death.